How to Rename Your Windows 11 Computer

Why Rename Your Computer?

Changing your computer’s name helps you:

• Make your device feel more personal
• Find your PC easily on a home or work network
• Stay organized if you have multiple computers

Method 1Rename Your Computer Using Settings

To rename your Windows 11 computer using Settings, open the Settings app ⚙️ by pressing the Win plus I on your keyboard. Look at the top of the Home screen to see your current device name, then click the Rename button underneath it. Type your new name, click Next, and restart your 🔄 PC to finish the change.

1. Click the Start menu ⊞ (Windows icon at the bottom-left) and select Settings. Or press Win+I to open Settings ⚙️ right away.
2. Look at the top of the Home section. You will see your current computer name.
3. Click the Rename this PC button or link below the name.
4. A small window will pop up. Type your new computer name here. You can use letters, numbers, and hyphens (but no spaces or special characters).
5. Click Next. Then choose to restart now or later. Your PC will restart to apply the new name.

Method 2Rename Using System Properties

To rename a Windows 11 computer using System Properties, press the Windows key plus R to open the Run dialog box, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter. Click the Computer Name tab in the window that appears, click the Change button, type your new computer name, and click OK to save your changes.

1. Press Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run box.
2. Type sysdm.cpl and press Enter. This opens the System Properties window.
3. Click the Computer Name tab if it's not already selected.
4. Click the Change... button.
5. In the new window, enter your desired computer name in the Computer name box.
6. Click OK. Then close all windows.
7. Restart your computer to save the changes.

Method 3Rename Using Command Prompt

To rename your Windows 11 computer using Command Prompt, you need administrator rights. Click the Start button, type command prompt, right-click the app, and select Run as administrator. Type the rename command with your new name and press Enter to update your system hostname.

1. Click the Start button. Type Command Prompt.
2. FLAG: Admin privileges required — Right-click on Command Prompt in the search results and choose Run as administrator.
3. Type the following command. Replace Old_Name with your current PC name and New_Name with the new name you want:
   

   wmic computersystem where name="Old_Name" call rename name="New_Name"

   
   
4. For example, if your old name is DESKTOP-ABC123 and you want to rename it to MyPC, type:
   

   wmic computersystem where name="DESKTOP-ABC123" call rename name="MyPC"

   
   
5. Press Enter. If it works, you'll see a message saying the rename was successful.
6. Restart your computer to apply the new name.

Method 4Rename Using PowerShell

To rename your Windows 11 computer using PowerShell, open the Start menu, type powershell, right-click the app, and choose Run as administrator. Run the built-in rename command with your preferred computer name and press Enter. You must restart your PC afterward for the new name to take effect.

1. Click the Start button. Type PowerShell.
2. FLAG: Admin privileges required — Right-click Windows PowerShell and select Run as administrator.
3. Type this command. Replace NewName with the name you want:
   

   Rename-Computer -NewName "NewName"

   
   
4. For example:
   

   Rename-Computer -NewName "MyNewPC"

   
   
5. Press Enter. Then restart your computer for the change to take effect.

Summary

Renaming your Windows 11 computer makes the device much easier to spot on a home network and lets you set a personalized identity for your hardware. Pick the renaming method that fits your comfort level, whether you prefer using the modern Settings app, the classic control panel, or command-line tools.

Why this matters: Renaming your computer makes it recognizable on a local network and gives the hardware a personalized identity.

What you need to do: Pick the renaming approach that fits your workflow. Every method requires a system restart before the new hostname takes effect.

Enjoy your newly named computer!